Important: Get urgent help
Support is available if you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis or emergency, no matter what you're going through.
Symptoms of hoarding disorder
Hoarding disorder can be different for everyone, but the main symptoms include:
- keeping or collecting so many things that it affects your life or the lives of people you care about
- not being able to manage the things you've collected, but still finding it very difficult to get rid of them
- becoming extremely attached to the things you've collected
- feeling the need to get more things, even if you have a lot already
- having very strong positive feelings whenever you get more things
This can lead to problems such as:
- struggling with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning and paying bills
- having disagreements with friends and family members about your things
- not being able to use rooms in your home because they are too full
The things you may collect if you have hoarding disorder can vary a lot. It's often lots of different things that other people find it difficult to see any value in keeping.
But it could also include things like rescuing lots of animals or even keeping lots of old data, such as emails and hard drives.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you think you might have hoarding disorder
- someone you know thinks you might have hoarding disorder
- you've been diagnosed with hoarding disorder and treatments are not helping (or speak to your mental health specialist if you have one)
If you're worried about someone else, encourage them to speak to their GP.
How hoarding disorder is diagnosed
If a GP thinks you may have hoarding disorder or another mental health condition, they'll usually refer you to a mental health specialist.
The mental health specialist will ask you about things like your moods, behaviour, health and family history.
You may be diagnosed with hoarding disorder if there is no other mental health condition that could be causing the problem.
Getting a diagnosis for someone else
Many people with hoarding disorder are not aware they have a problem and it's often noticed by neighbours, friends or family.
If you're worried about someone else, you can get help and support from health professionals or charities.
Treatment for hoarding disorder
Treatment for hoarding disorder can help you to manage your symptoms, but it may take time.
The main treatments a GP may offer include:
- talking therapies – usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with the support of a therapist, either by yourself or in a group
- antidepressant medicines that can help treat anxiety
Research is looking into other types of talking therapy and medicines that may be able to treat hoarding disorder.
Causes of hoarding disorder
It's not known exactly what causes hoarding disorder as there has not been a lot of research into the condition.
For a long time it was thought to be a form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), but it's now considered a separate condition.
However, some things may increase your chances of having it, including:
- negative childhood experiences, such as growing up in poverty, having things taken away from you, abuse or neglect
- being the type of person who always feels worried about making mistakes, or spending a lot of time on your own
- experiencing grief after a bereavement or loss, or another type of major life change or stressful event
- having a close family member who also hoards or collects things
Help and support for hoarding disorder
If you have hoarding disorder, you'll be supported by a mental health specialist or GP.
The mental health charity Mind also offers information and support for anyone affected by hoarding disorder.
Mind
- Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Email: info@mind.org.uk
- Helpline: 0300 123 3393
- Hoarding (Mind)